Cameras, camcorders, and photography advice.
Photography and Video
Chris Marquardt and the missing color
Episode 1617
Chris joins Leo to talk about a color in photography that doesn't exist: magenta. Chris says there is no magenta, and your brain invents the color shades in between the basic colors. On top of that, ten percent of people are color blind. You can mix colors sure, but its just mixed light in the spectrum. Each color has a wavelength in the visible spectrum. Magenta doesn't have a wavelength in the visible spectrum: it doesn't exist. But your mind makes it up when you mix colors together. It's called an extra spectral color.
Chris Marquardt ... the Blue Hour
Episode 1615
Chris says that shortly after the golden hour, where the sun is setting, comes the Blue hour, where the sun has set, but the light is still there, but fading. Chris says this is a marvellous opportunity to get some great pictures, with a deep blue sky. Even smartphone photographers can get in on the act these days.
Can I Buy More Cloud Storage for my Samsung Phone?
Episode 1614
Hope fromHope wanted to know if she can upgrade her cloud storage through her Galaxy Note 9. Leo is pretty sure that Samsung will sell her more cloud storage if she wants to, and it's a good idea to back up phone data. She can buy more, but it may be for select carriers. But she can also use Google Photos, which offers free unlimited high-resolution storage, and she can upload automatically with a simple check of a box.
How can I scan my slides?
Episode 1613
Jim fromJim got a slide scanning machine to scan his slides, but he doesn't have software for it. Where can he get it? Leo says that there's a third-party driver called VueScan at Hamrich.com. It's an old-time TWAIN driver that supports a wide array of scanners. You can get it at https://www.hamrick.com. It's worth paying for as well.
How can I start a YouTube Channel?
Episode 1613
Alex fromAlex wants to start a YouTube channel. Leo says that if he has a smartphone he can hit the ground running. As for video editing, Leo recommends Adobe Premiere Elements. It's under $100. But your phone may also be able to edit the video you shoot. Don't go overboard with gear: start small, and then upgrade your gear as you need to. Lights are important though.
Chris Marquardt ... the Door Assignment
Episode 1613
Chris goes over the DOOR assignment.
All photos:
https://www.flickr.com/search/?group_id=362537%40N20&sort=date-posted-desc&view_all=1&tags=TGDoor
Chris' Picks:
https://flic.kr/p/2gy1SEh
https://flic.kr/p/2go4aF7
https://flic.kr/p/2gBcQuX
Chris Marquardt ... Having G.A.S.
Episode 1611
Chris doesn't usually like to talk about new hardware, because he doesn't want people to think that a new camera will make you a better photographer. It doesn't. But there are two new cameras coming that are going to be pretty nice.
1) The Sony A7III will have 61MP and a full-frame sensor with 10fps burst shooting. That means it has a huge buffer of up to 68 images! It also has eye tracking with better autofocus. Even for animals. It also has Pixel Shifting to increase to up to 240MP in still life. Cost is $3500 available Sept 2019.
Chris Marquardt and the dirt cheap SD card
Episode 1607
Chris says that there's a consumer alert for a 512 GB microSD card for $6 incl. shipping. But as you can guess, that's a total ripoff because a name brand is over $100. Chris ordered one and it, indeed, was a fraudulent memory card. Complete counterfeits. Chris says that often, those cards are defects that have been "declared" as smaller cards, and sell them for cheap. The fraudsters get access to the broken cards and then reflashes them again to make them look larger than they are.
Is There an Alternative to Monthly Adobe Subscriptions?
Episode 1606
Jose fromJose wants to know if he has to keep paying the monthly subscription fee to use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Leo says he does. Adobe no longer sells a boxed version and has gone to the monthly subscription. Jose could go to an annual subscription. Leo doesn't like it, but that's the way it is. So here's an option:
Skylum makes great software for photos called Luminar, and HDR program called Aurora. Lifetime licenses are just $60. Or, he could buy Adobe Photoshop Elements. Jose can get about 80% of the capability of Photoshop for one price.
Chris Marquardt ... Working with Sunlight
Episode 1605
Chris recently held a portrait workshop, and he made use of the summer weather by playing with the harsh available sunlight. Trying different light situations as the day progressed. The sun is a harsh, contrasty light that doesn't lend itself to good portraiture. But there are a few things to keep in mind:
